In Michoacan, Mexico, many villages celebrate their Patron Saint Day with, among many other festivities, a rodeo (called here Jaripeo). The arenas are often very small, making the rider’s chute even more dangerous.

Young men come to test their courage, risk their lives and earn a little money by trying to ride a bull until it stops bucking.

The bull is driven into a narrow metal enclosure on the side of the circular arena. The cowboy drops onto the animal and wraps his hand around the grip. The animal and the rider burst from confinement together, the bull kicking, spinning and twisting to throw his load off and the rider balancing to the brutal movements of the animal.

My photographs focus on the riders during the singular moment of solitude before dropping onto the bull in the chute. In these few minutes, the cowboy kneels and kisses the saints images, praying for courage, strength and protection.

I wish these portraits reveal the tension of the moment, the solitude , the sacred space, the fear and fragility of the riders.